REID WHIPS THAILAND INTO SHAPE

Thailand are moving into their last phase of preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 in Group B where they will also be up against Malaysia and Laos.

And while Thailand’s win of the T&T Cup last week did give Reid his first ever silverware since being appointed the head coach of Thailand some months back, still the 2-2 draw against Vietnam in the last match would have drawn concern.

“We need that (fitness training) because in the 2-2 draw with Vietnam last weekend, the players lacked stamina and their fitness was not very good,” said Reid.

“After the next two weeks, I am sure that every player will be 100% fit.”

The Thai national team are currently in Nakhon Ratchasima province where following a recent fitness test in the morning, Reid felt that the players will need plenty of hard work.

“We trained at 11am to see how strong their bodies were. They must get used to the sun and then we can train in an evening session for fitness.”